Report: Wild looking to add forward, but not at expense of defenseman

Sitting well within striking distance of top spot in the Central Division, the Minnesota Wild are in position to add a player before gearing up for the postseason.

The team is looking to bolster its attack by adding a forward, but not by trading a key defenseman, reports ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

"They're not going to trade a D just because they want to make their situation better for the (Las Vegas franchise) expansion draft," LeBrun said on TSN's Insider Training segment Tuesday.

"Yes, they want to add, they want to add a piece up front between now and March 1, but i don't think it's going to be a the expense of one of their good defensemen."

As LeBrun alluded to, the Wild face a problem with the upcoming expansion draft, as their deep core of defenders can't be entirely protected. However, a Stanley Cup run is reportedly a higher priority to general manager Chuck Fletcher, as opposed to who he might lose to Vegas.

The strength of the Wild stems from goaltending and a strong defensive corps, anchored by Ryan Suter. And while Fletcher wants to keep that core intact, there are certainly appealing options for inquiring teams:

However, Minnesota is allowing a second-best 2.13 goals against per game, so keeping the band together is likely in the club's best interest down the stretch.

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